Have you recently been involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? If you’re dealing with injuries or significant vehicle damage, you deserve full compensation for your losses.
While everyone hopes for a smooth insurance claims process, the reality often proves far more challenging. Understanding when to seek legal representation can make the difference between receiving fair compensation and being left with mounting bills.
Just Got in an Accident? Here’s What You Need To Do
The moments following a car accident are crucial for protecting your rights and building a strong case. Take these essential steps:
- Safety first. Make sure you and your passengers are safe and assess any obvious injuries. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible.
- Call 911 to make a police report. Even if your accident was minor or you’ve sustained no injuries to your knowledge, a police report is required within 24 hours of the accident. After calling, wait for the police to arrive.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Grab a photo of their insurance card and jot down their name, contact details, and vehicle details (make, model, and license plate number).
- Gather any other information you can. Take multiple photos and videos from various angles, capturing both vehicle damage and the overall accident scene. Don’t forget to collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Seek prompt medical attention. Even if you feel fine, go see a doctor. Some serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Notify your insurance company. While this step is necessary, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney before making this call. Their guidance can help you avoid statements that might unintentionally harm your claim.
Clear Indicators You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Unsure whether your case warrants legal representation? Here are the key situations that signal it’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer:
- Your injuries are severe or permanent.
Serious injuries that require hospitalization or ongoing medical treatment not only impact your immediate health and quality of life, but they can also be costly and may even lead to a permanent disability.
Car accident victims should NEVER have to pay their medical bills out-of-pocket.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize settlements for serious injuries, making legal expertise crucial for protecting your interests and ensuring all medical expenses are covered.
- The accident impacted your ability to work.
Certain injuries require weeks or months (if not longer) to heal. In this current economic climate, very few people can afford to be out of work for that long. And if the accident resulted in any kind of disability, you may never actually be able to return to work.
When lost wages and future earning potential are at stake, an attorney’s expertise becomes essential for calculating and recovering fair compensation.
- Liability is unclear or difficult to prove.
Liability isn’t straightforward. Complex accidents often involve unclear fault, especially when dealing with:
- Multiple vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Borrowed or company cars
- Defective auto parts
- Environmental factors
- Conflicting witness statements
- Distracted driving cases
- Your insurance company is giving you red flags.
Call it bullying. Call it business. Regardless, insurance companies don’t have your best interest at heart. If it seems like insurance companies are trying to shortchange you, they most likely are. You can expect insurance agencies to:
- Ask for a recorded statement before you have a chance to consult an attorney.
- Attempt to convince you that legal representation is unnecessary.
- Push for a quick, unreasonable settlement.
- Deliberately delay the claims process.
- Look for any reason to deny your claim.
- Challenge the severity of stated injuries.
- Twist recorded statements to minimize your claim.
- Try to shift the blame onto you.
- The other party is uninsured or underinsured.
Although North Carolina drivers are required by law to purchase auto insurance, some fail to do so. If the at-fault party is uninsured or has insufficient insurance to cover your losses, they’ll have to find a way to pay you a different way.
Since these people typically have limited financial means to make out-of-pocket payments, collecting your judgment amount can be near impossible.
You may have to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which also has its limits. In such circumstances, an attorney may be necessary to ensure you get what you are owed.
- It was a hit-and-run.
Victims of a hit-and-run accident have an especially hard time recovering damages. An attorney can not only help track down the responsible driver, but they can also ensure you are adequately compensated for your medical bills and vehicle repairs—even if the driver is never found.
- The accident resulted in a death.
If your relative was killed as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation via a wrongful death claim. While extremely similar to personal injury claims, these cases require proof that:
- The deceased would have been eligible for compensation if they’d survived.
- The defendant’s negligence caused the accident.
An attorney can help you establish your proof, deal with insurance companies, and pursue damages on your behalf.
Timing is Crucial: When to Seek Legal Consultation
The best time to call a personal injury lawyer after a car accident is before you make first contact with your insurance company. An attorney can help you carefully determine what you should (and shouldn’t) say to insurance representatives.
The good news? Early consultations like these are absolutely FREE when you work with Flexner Houser Injury Law.
If you’ve already spoken with an insurance adjuster, don’t worry. Our team can still help you recover a fair settlement.
NOTE: Keep in mind that under the North Carolina statute of limitations, you must file your personal injury claim within three years of the accident if you plan to pursue legal action.
Common Misconceptions About Hiring a Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyer
“It’s too expensive.” — Flexner Houser works on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you only pay us if we win your case.
“My case is too small.” — Even minor car accidents can have serious lasting impacts. If you have any doubts, just pitch your case to our law team. Call us at 1-800-FLEXNER for a free consultation.
“I can handle it myself.” — Car accident claims can get complicated surprisingly fast. There are a lot of not-so-obvious nuances to personal injury law that only a qualified local attorney will understand.
Schedule Your FREE Consultation Today
With over 25 years of personal injury experience, Flexner Houser Injury Law has gained an undeniable reputation for our honest advice, deep compassion, and fierce dedication to protecting our clients’ best interests.
We know the last thing you need to worry about is paying lawyer fees. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis.
No win? No fee.
Fill out a contact form or call us at 1-800-FLEXNER for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights after a car accident.
